From a very early age, Henry lived life in the service of those he cared about. As a very young boy, he was taken out of school after third grade to watch siblings while others were in the fields or in the fields helping to support the family. While his formal education ended after third grade, Henry had high intelligence. Any time the family traveled, he knew the route to get there by heart. He often submitted engineering ideas to Fisher Body and several were implemented in the plant. He wisely managed funds in order to be able to purchase a family home, cars, trips, and those items to make a memorable home life.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving in France in the early 1950s. As a young, married man, Henry worked at GM, bought a house, and started a family with Delia. He retired from Fisher Body after 40 years as a proud union pipefitter. He then drove cars for Lexus of Lansing for another 20 years until he retired again in his early 80s.
He loved dancing and was an excellent dancer, even as recently as his grand-daughter’s April wedding. His integrity and subtle humor were admired and appreciated by those who knew him. It was a pleasure to hear a quiet zinger, and to see the sly smile.
Sunday drives were common while the girls were growing up, including spur-of-the-moment ski trips that might be Friday after work to Sunday.
Henry – ever the one to be sure opportunities were presented – would carefully lead Liz down slopes that were probably a little steeper than they should have been on.
As the pillar of the family, many sought his advice. After the children were grown and had children of their own, several came back and stayed with Henry & Delia at different times. They made a solid foundation for the family, a model marriage for their children and grandchildren. Liz and Rossana felt lucky to be his daughters.
Henry was predeceased by four siblings: David, Ignacio, Victor, and Ezekial.
Surviving are his wife of 72 years, Delia, and his daughters; Rossana
(Jeff) Rathjen and Elizabeth (Bill) Copland; grandchildren Aubrey Montgomery (Evan Balmer), Mason (Brittany) Montgomery, Jennifer (Jesse) Lothamer, and Kathrine (Jacob) Hart; great-grandchildren Marion, Mase, and Markus Henry Montgomery, and Magdalena and James Enrique Lothamer.
He was also survived by countless cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home (900 E. Michigan, Lansing). Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a short service at noon.
Donations may be made to Cristo Rey Community Center, 1717 N. High St., Lansing, MI 48906.
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